The ULM Center for Business and Economic Research received a $30,000 check from the North Louisiana Economic Partnership Feb. 21 for funding on the Ouachita and Black River study.

The study will examine “the economic impact of the Ouachita-Black River system from South Central Arkansas to North Central Louisiana.” According to the ULM website, the center will assess the economic benefits of the Ouachita River Basin.

The center will submit the 12 month study to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the hopes to maintain the water levels and hours of operation of the rivers.

According to the President of the Ouachita River Valley Association Randy Denmon, this study is the first step in putting a true value on the Ouachita River.